Today, in our liturgy, God comes to us as a trinity. The trinity itself is difficult to define. Yet, in nature, we can find examples that mirror the Trinity, such as a three-leaf clover. However, my favorite description of nature comes from Carolyn Berghuis in her Catholic Lent Devotional. Here she describes the Trinity as three butterflies with iridescent light sparking from their wings, dancing about each other, always spreading perfect bliss.[1]
These examples in nature may describe the trinity well as three persons in one, but not completely. For the Trinity’s very existence transcends not only time, but also is perfect in every way. Although true, the Trinity, though known, remains mysterious, even for the greatest theologian of the Church, Thomas Aquinas. For Aquinas essentially agrees with the IV Lateran Council in 1215. For each person, although distinct, is the same in mind, thought, and exists in a complete unity of one substance with the “Father who generates, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds.” Therefore, “The divine unity is Triune in nature.”[2]
Although this is true and mysterious, there is a greater mystery present than the Trinity’s existence, for why did this perfect union begin creation, and with creation complete, ‘Why did God reveal to us his very nature?’
In asking these questions, we must begin with faith that the Trinity exists upon mutual respect and love, which God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit share equally. This expression of faith and love is in our gospel today through one of the most recognizable sayings of Jesus.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
This is a wonderful verse, because God, through His Mercy, the Messiah, the Second Person of the Trinity, brought about a new spirituality, through love. This is the reason for God’s creation. For God first loved us despite our sinfulness.[3] For Jesus, who lowered himself, but now lifted for our salvation, did so completely out of Love. As such, He invites all to a loving relationship with Him. Therefore, his Son came not to condemn but to save.[4] This is the good news of the gospel. However, although His loving invitation continues, we must act accordingly by accepting his love. We do this by recognizing our sinful ways, repenting, and uniting ourselves with God, despite all the sinful forces in our world that tend to pull us apart.
Therefore, the relationship we have received through the Trinity’s example of love helps us grow so that we do not condemn our neighbors, but instead invite them into this relationship, for it is only through love that we find room enough to forgive and accept our neighbors.[5] So, on this Sunday, let us recognize the Blessed Trinity, let us place our trust in God, and build our relationships on love, for the effort made is worthwhile, and may even bring peace to our troubled world.
[1] Carolyn Berghuis, Catholic Lent Devotional.
[3] http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/a/Trinity-a/A-Trinity-a.html
[4] http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/a/Trinity-a/A-Trinity-a.html
[5] http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/a/Trinity-a/A-Trinity-a.html
Today’s Spiritual Links for May 29, 2026
National Eucharistic Review
Today’s Mass Readings
Today’s Reflection
Rosary
Liturgy of the Hours
New American Bible
Non-Scriptural Reading
Prime Matters